Advice on buying a used sailboat

[TTC]

I'm a novice sailor and am looking to buy something in the 25-30' range. I've seen plenty for sail for $4000-$8000. Ideally, I'd like something rigged for single-handed sailing (esp. with roller-furling), but there aren't a lot like that in this range.

Does anyone have any advice on buying something this size -- what kinds of pitfalls to avoid? What about insuring a boat this size (and value)? Do people get surveys on boats worth this little -- if not, at what value do owners usually start surveying?

Thanks!

[Catalina Kids]

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?currency=USD&units=Feet&checked_boats=1253460&slim=quick&

This San Juan 28 would make a good starter boat. There are so many to choose from, a book could be written on the subject. What are your needs? Where do you sail? Open ocean? Bay? Lake/river? Draft rquirements? Height restrictions in your area? want a tiller or wheel steered boat? Do you have a slip for the boat? Need a tailer sailer? Dry storage, splash just when you sail?

You will probably need a survey to get insurance.

Pitfalls? if it looks thrashed, it is thrashed. Sail on as many other peoples boats as you can to get a feel for the sailing characteristics you desire in a boat. Our first boat was a slug to windward, our second boat excels in windward performance. Any boat will get you down wind.

[Todd V Cheoy Lee 36]

and don't fall in love with anything until you've had somebody take a close look at it. A project boat is not a good starter boat.

[Rick Beddoe]

Hit Yachtworld...put in your requirements...spend a few hours looking over the specs. I did just that and came up with over 250 hits.

For starting out, look for a production boat with a long run (Catalina, Hunter, O'day, etc). These aren't the cream of the crop, but there are so many of them you can't swing a dead cat without hitting one.

Plus, production boats with a long run typically have a lot of other owners out there in the dare I say...same boat...as you. :lol:

Good luck.